(post #126417, reply #1 of 14)

I bought that 8" slider about 3 yrs ago. Made in Italy. Nice saw. Accurate miters and bevels. It bevels 45+ degrees one way, and 2 degrees the other way. I think the miter is 45 and 60. Only problem I have is limited choice of blades. I think it will cut a 1x12 shelf board.

"Put your creed in your deed." Emerson

"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt

"Put your creed in your deed." Emerson

"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt

(post #126417, reply #13 of 14)

But I found a great solutionhttp://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=11312&cs=1I use this only when I set up a job site shop (when I will be on a job more then 2 or 3 days)I have every thing I need to set up a portable shop in my drop gate trailer and for that my choice was a 12" dewalt slider. I also have a Dewalt 12" (Non-Slider) a delta 10" slider. (and a old Delta 8" but I use that mostly for cutting alum. and pipe and stuff.)

Which is best? depends on what I am doing the Dewalt Slider is permently mounted with full extension wings so setup and portability is not the plus with this saw but the ability to cut long trim with it fully supported in nice and when doing exterior PVC trim it is a real life saver.

The Dewalt 12 " is my #1 saw it is on a folding portable stand with wheels and extensions that are good for most work and it's ability to cut 6" vertical is great. and the 1x8 flat cut is good enough for most trim work.

The Delta almost never gets used anymore now that I have the Dewalt 12" slider in my trailer but i used it for all kinds of work but it's stops are not as good as the Dewalt's but It did a lot of work when I was using it. would I buy another Delta? NO.

(post #126417, reply #9 of 14)

I almost bought the 712 a couple of months ago but opted for another 718 because for only $150 more, it came with a stand and a couple of extra blades.

When I first began finishing I had an 8 1/2" Hitachi. It was a great saw once I got used to cutting everything and I mean everything on the flat.

The Hitachi was a great saw but since then I've bought nothing but DW's.

The thing I love about DeWalts is being able to hold the bladeguard up with my thumb while getting a sight line on my cut. Nearly every other saw has you on your friggin knees peeking under the bladeguard. OK if you are 5'-07" PITA if you are 6'-01".

(post #126417, reply #10 of 14)

Tavern access? My ears are standing like the dog when asked if he wants to walk. Have I missed some posts? Unlike my lawyer brother in law, I've never passed a bar in my life.

I still do a trim job here and there but I do mostly custom casework and furniture. Don't like to go out and do the installs anymore but sometimes, if you want it done right...

Accuracy is the most important thing. Nothing worse than trying to adjust for the sloppy detents after a few years of use. The 712 is a bit smaller than the 715 too, although the weight compares. Looked at the 718 but I'm so set in my ways, don't know that I'd use a dbl bevel.

You all are making the Hitachis sound like they're worth a second look.

Hey Gordsco know what you mean about the blade guards. I've always found that a zip tie takes care of that problem. Hope OSHA ain't listening.

(post #126417, reply #11 of 14)

I have the DeWalt 712 AND I have the Hitachi C8FB2. Both are nearly identical in design and capacity. If the Hitachi had a more positive scale indent it would win even though the DeWalt has nearly double the size motor. I never stalled or bogged down the Hitachi but not knowing exactly what angle you are cutting kind of stinks.

Bottom line both are good saws. Put a Forrest 8 1/2" Chopmaster on them for flawless cuts.